Anyone have dd in Brownies? (not strictly educucation I know)

[SSSandy]

Didn't know where else to put it.

I'd be interested to know whether they like it and what they actually do there. I have the European guide website but I'd like to hear from people who have actually had their kids there.

Not sure if it's an option for dd, she has so much on her plate at the moment but considering it.

[SSSandy]

EDUCATION not educacation of course!

[Sparkler1]

My dd1 is starting Brownies next week. She has been in Rainbows for the last couple of years. They do various activities for badgework - learning life skills etc. They play team games, go on days out, short weekend breaks. Great chance for them to make friends other than those at school.
You'll need to get her name on the waiting list though - lists in my area (Poole) are enormous. I've had dd2's name on the waiting list for Rainbows since she was 1!!!

[SSSandy]

You're well-organised sparkler! Hope she enjoys it and likes the girls in her group. Were you a Brownie/Guide too? My sister and I were in Brownies for a year or two but can't remember anything about it apart from the uniform.

[PeachyClairHasBadHair]

Used to be a Rainbow Leader, but we all did training days together.

Basically it's a mix, lots of arts and craft definitely- especially on cold winter nights! And games are usually played every meeting. Then there's often singing, activities like charity fundraising, cooking, outdoor stuff (leaf printing etc); basicallya nd TBH, pretty much what i did as a Brownie 20-odd years ago, only they don't wear the silly hats any more, and they do more environmental stuff.

The Leaders obviouslt affect this; you might get someone who is into the Church, or badge work, and that will nfluence things a lot.

There is also scope for personal choice, working on badges from the badge book and that sort of thing.

I hope she enjoys it- most girls do.

[Blandmum]

dd goes, has done for 2 years and loves it.

The do lots of craft based activities, play lots of organised games, they work towards badges (the whole pack does this at any one time). So far dd has entertainer, craft, firse prevention, lots of other.

They also went on a pack holiday for the weekend which she loved

[MrsApronstrings]

dd was a rainbow, a brownie in England and the USA and is junior girl scout now (aged 10) she has always loved it, we have been really lucky to have fantastic troop leaders who have organised interesting and innovative things to do. I limit the number of clubs and activities dd can do - 4 children and homework - but always keep brownies as an extra as it has been so stressfree, cheap and fun

[mosschops30]

my dd was in brownies and has just moved up to guides this week. I hated the idea of her going because as a child I hated it but she has loved every minute. Their brown owl was amazing though, always throwing parties, arranging treasure hunts, getting them involved in charity things. Its not particularly religious, although they can take part in church parade but its optional.

Last year they went to disneyland paris for 5 days, all the parents managed to keep it a suprise as an xmas pressie for the girls, it was great.

I'd say go on recommendations if you can, some groups are better than others, and let her give it a try, I would hate my dd to have missed out on all the fab stuff shes done

[SSSandy]

This all sounds good so far. So it all hinges on who is leader. How is it organised? Do you pay a yearly fee or monthly installments?

[MrsApronstrings]

ours is yearly ( very good value for money) and then we sometimes pay for trips - although here in the usa cookie sales earn the troop cash fro outings etc.

[mosschops30]

we pay by term, its £1 a week so normally works out about £13 or so. Some of the stuff you need to pay for, but its only minimal as they do all their own fundraising by bag-packing, carol singing etc. Then you just make up what they need, but its normally like £20 for a whole weekend away

[Mae1]

As both a brownie leader & a Rainbow leader & my DD1 is in my rainbow unit - I would recommend Brownies!!! In our unit they do crafts most week, cooking, games, singing, theme evenings - we just planned last night up to Xmas - in a couple of weeks they'll be having mini facials, manicures & a relaxation session!
Our Brownies pay weekly with a request for half the "census" fee (for insurance etc) in Feb each year. In the Rainbows I ask for subs every half term - and the fee includes the census money - so it varies from unit to unit! All the girls tend to have lots of fun, let of steam and also learn about different things.

[SSSandy]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

[TheRealCam]

My dd has been a Brownie for nearly 3 years and goes up to Guides soon.

For her its been really good as its very very local,whereas she goes to school several miles away.

The Brownie leader has always taken them on lovely outings such as to the theatre, swimming, barbecues on the hill, etc. Also the usual badges stuff like cooking, etc.

They went to Brownie camp this Easter for 3 nights and had the best time (slept in huts not tents)

dd has loved being part of a group with just girls.